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How do you choose the right bankruptcy lawyer?

how to choose the right bankruptcy lawyer in Dallas

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is never an easy choice. By the time most people reach out to an attorney, they have already spent months worrying about mounting bills, collection calls, and the fear of losing something they have worked hard to keep. Choosing the right bankruptcy lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make in that process, because the person you hire will shape both the outcome of your case and the way you feel while going through it. The good news is that a thoughtful, informed choice is well within your reach. Knowing what to look for makes the difference between a stressful ordeal and a steady path toward relief.

Thes three questions will help you choose the best bankruptcy attorney for your situation:

Deos the laywer specialize in bankruptcy law?
Does the firm handle both Chapter 7 and and Chapter 13 cases?
How is the customer service – will you be treated fairly?

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By Mark Rubin|2026-07-30T14:10:17-05:00July 30th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Debt, Financial, Personal Finance|

What is the 341 meeting of creditors in a bankruptcy case?

If you are preparing to file for bankruptcy in Texas, you will hear about something called the 341 meeting of creditors. For many people, the name alone is enough to cause worry. It sounds formal, and the idea of facing a room full of creditors can feel overwhelming. The reality is much simpler and far less stressful than most people expect. The 341 meeting is a required but routine part of the bankruptcy process, and understanding what happens can take away most of the anxiety around it.

Below is a clear explanation of what the 341 meeting is, why it exists, who attends, and how to prepare so that everything goes smoothly. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-07-01T10:50:45-05:00July 1st, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Texas Bankruptcy|

Can you rent an apartment during a bankruptcy case?

https://youtu.be/yqKZr9VtTZo?rel=0

If you are struggling financially and facing bankruptcy in Texas, you are probably worried about more than just your debts. You are worried about the day-to-day reality of life: keeping a roof over your head, getting to work, and finding a place to live if you need to move. One of the most common questions people in the Dallas area ask is whether they can rent an apartment while a bankruptcy case is active. The short answer is yes. The longer answer involves a few details worth understanding before you start your apartment search. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-08-03T14:16:25-05:00May 28th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Will it affect your spouse if you file for bankruptcy?

If you are considering bankruptcy and you are married, one of the first questions on your mind is probably about your spouse. Will your decision hurt their credit? Will it affect their property? Will they have to file too? These are smart questions to ask, and the answers depend on a few specific details about your situation.

The short answer is that filing bankruptcy on your own does not automatically put your spouse into bankruptcy with you. In most cases, your spouse can keep their separate credit, their separate property, and their financial independence. There are exceptions, however, and Texas community property law adds some wrinkles that are worth understanding before you file. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T08:57:49-05:00April 27th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Will you keep the equity in your car if you file for bankruptcy?

“Will I keep the equity in my car if I file for bankruptcy?” This is one of the common questions people ask when they first walk into our office. They are worried about losing their vehicle — their way to get to work, drop the kids off at school, and keep their lives running. The short answer is: in most cases, yes, you can protect your car equity when you file for bankruptcy. But the full answer depends on which chapter you file and how much equity you have. Let me walk you through how this works. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T08:58:34-05:00March 30th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|

Is there a minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy?

One of the common questions we hear from potential clients is: “Is there a minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy?” Many people assume that bankruptcy is only for individuals with overwhelming six-figure debt. Others worry that their debt is “not bad enough” to qualify for relief. The truth is simple and reassuring.

There is no minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy.

If you are struggling to keep up with your financial obligations, bankruptcy may be an option worth exploring, regardless of whether you owe $10,000 or $10,000,000.

We have helped Dallas-area individuals and families across every spectrum of financial hardship. We have successfully filed bankruptcy cases for clients with as little as $10,000 to $15,000 in debt. We have also represented individuals with hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in obligations. Bankruptcy relief is not determined by a specific minimum debt threshold. It is determined by whether filing would meaningfully improve your financial situation. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T08:59:04-05:00February 28th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Money Management, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

What happens in an initial bankruptcy consultation?

If you are struggling with overwhelming debt, constant collection calls, or the fear of losing your home or vehicle, the first step toward relief is understanding your options. At Rubin & Associates, we know how intimidating the idea of “talking to a bankruptcy attorney” can feel. That is why our initial consultation process is designed to be simple, straightforward, and pressure-free.

When you meet with us, you will get honest guidance from one of the most experienced bankruptcy lawyers in Dallas. Whether you ultimately choose to file for bankruptcy or decide that another solution is better, we want you to leave the meeting with clarity and confidence.

Since so many people ask us what’s involved in the initial bankruptcy consultation, We wanted to write this post to give you a detailed look at what you can expect during your first consultation.

How long does a bankruptcy consultation take?

Most initial consultations last 45 minutes to an hour. Some meetings are shorter, and others run a bit longer depending on your situation. WE prefer to spend as much time as necessary to understand your financial picture and answer all your questions. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:01:01-05:00November 25th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Texas Bankruptcy|

What is a bankruptcy trustee?

When people who are struggling with debt begin exploring the possibility of filing for bankruptcy, one of the first unfamiliar terms they encounter is usually “bankruptcy trustee.” Many clients ask us what a trustee actually does, how they fit into the process, and whether they’re there to help or to make things harder. Understanding the trustee’s role can remove a lot of uncertainty and help you feel more confident as you move through your case.

The trustee’s role in bankruptcy

A bankruptcy trustee is an impartial third party appointed to oversee your case. Trustees are not employees of the court, nor do they work for you or your creditors. Instead, they act as an administrator who ensures that all aspects of the bankruptcy process follow federal bankruptcy law and that all parties are treated fairly. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:03:20-05:00October 29th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Money Management, Personal Finance, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|

Can you file for bankruptcy without an attorney?

For many DFW-area families, it only takes one unexpected expense to cause out-of-control debt. When debt starts to spiral, many individuals and families begin to explore the possibility of bankruptcy. One of the most common questions people ask at this early stats is “Can I file for bankruptcy without an attorney?” While it is legally possible to file a bankruptcy petition on your own, it is never a good idea to file without the guidance of an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Bankruptcy is a complex legal process with high stakes, and attempting to handle it on your own can create significant risks. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:04:05-05:00September 26th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|

Can you keep your stuff in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

One of the emost common questions we hear from potential clients is, “If I file for Chapter 13, am I going to be able to keep all of my stuff?” If you are asking this question, I want you to know that you are not alone. This is one of the most common and most understandable questions people have when they consider bankruptcy. The thought of losing your home, your car, or even your personal belongings is frightening. When you site down for a free consultation with me, my goal is to explain exactly how Chapter 13 works, why you are generally able to keep your property, and which laws provide those protections. By the end of our discussion, I want you to feel informed and reassured that bankruptcy was designed to give people a structured path to rebuild. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:04:44-05:00August 28th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|